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After years of practice and preparation, Tarik Donoho achieved his black belt on June 30.

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In the October Wave: Bringing home a black belt; Autumn adventures
9/29/2014 1:52:55 PM

Bringing home a black belt
Respect, discipline taught through martial arts

By Tammy Kimberley
Splash Staff Writer 

When Tarik Donoho attended his first karate class four years ago, he said he immediately knew he wanted to pursue getting a black belt. So he continued taking classes two or three times per week at Warhorse Karate in Spokane Valley and practiced on his own throughout the week. 

Tarik's mom, Kristina Donoho, said it took little effort to encourage his ambition but it did take some planning on behalf of his parents.

"Karate takes a lot of time and effort, so we scheduled everything around karate times," she said.

But the hard work of the Liberty Lake boy paid off last summer when Tarik tested for and received his black belt.

Damon Tong, master instructor and owner of Warhorse Karate in Spokane Valley, said that achieving a black belt means the student has reached the first level of proficiency in defending himself. He described the process as a minimum of four years of regular training, as well as completing tests in self-defense skills (karate), grappling skills (jiu jitsu) and sparring (kickboxing). 

"It took a lot of hard work, determination and never giving up," Tarik said.

Kristina said it took almost two hours of testing and hard cardio in order for Tarik to achieve his goal. 

"The testing process is not for the faint of heart, that's for sure," she said. "I was so excited to see my 10-year-old work hard and be able to keep up with the adults in the class who were also testing for black belts."

Building character beyond the dojo
While karate is a great form of exercise that builds physical fitness, the advantages of training extend well beyond that.  

"Karate helps to give you good focus and discipline," Tarik explained. "It is a lot of fun and you play games that help to make you more coordinated like dodge ball. You also can make some really good friends!"

The main benefits of lower belts in karate, Master Tong said, are developing the abilities to focus, concentrate, self-discipline and correct themselves. Attitude and respect are two items that are especially emphasized, and he had Tarik do community service outside the dojo (a place where martial arts are taught) to further learn these lessons. 

Kristina said she has seen the results of Tarik's training beyond just learning how to defend himself. She is proud of how he has grown into a wonderful young man with skill and determination.

"Tarik has learned how to show respect to people and his environment," she said. "Karate teaches self-respect, respect to others, discipline, perseverance and indomitable spirit."

On the journey to earning his black belt, Tarik participated in several competitions to see how he was advancing in his skills. He said he has especially enjoyed learning how to use the different weapons and desires to work toward accomplishing the different degrees of black belt.

"You have to keep going for the rest of your life and practice all the time to be really good," he said. "I want to be as good as my instructors, and they are really great!"

• • • 

Tarik Donoho
Age: 10
Grade: 5th
Family: Parents, Kristina and Drew Donoho; brother, Drew
Pet: Cat
Interests: Martial arts, drums, basketball and baseball
Best summer memory: "I got to visit my brother in California, and we went to Legoland."
Favorite movie: "Guardians of the Galaxy" 

• • •

Autumn adventures
Check out these opportunities to have a sweet and spooky Halloween season!

Compiled by Tammy Kimberley
Splash Staff Writer

Family fun on the farm
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends, Oct. 4-26
Carver Farms

Kids and their families are invited for free hayrides in the large, 9-acre pumpkin field at this annual event in the Newman Lake area. With popcorn, caramel corn and caramel apples, pumpkin-gatherers can enjoy tasty treats in the outside autumn air.

"This Old Haunted House"
Oct. 24-26, 30 and Nov. 1-2
Liberty Lake Community Theatre

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There are many twists and turns in the plot of this comedy that takes place on the set of "This Home Restored," a nationwide home improvement TV show. With ghosts, suspense and a surprise ending, this Halloween production is sure to entertain young and old. 

For times and more: www.libertylaketheatre.com
  
Halloween bash at the library
5:30 to 7 p.m., Oct. 30
Liberty Lake Municipal Library

The annual party will feature free crafts, games and prizes, courtesy of Friends of the Library and staff. Party-goers will also have the chance to participate in a cake walk for $2 per person. 

Exchange candy for cash
4 to 8 p.m., Nov. 3 
KiDDS Dental

KiDDS Dental is partnering with Banner Bank to pay children $1 for each pound of candy they donate for military men and women. Candy must be unopened, and children must be accompanied by an adult.  Kids will also have a chance to decorate cards to go with the care packages.  



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